Telusa Veainu

The Tonga full-back struck up a close relationship with Tuilagi after suffering a foot injury that resulted in eight months of treatment but it has healed in time for him to take part in the World Cup in Japan.

It was during his rehabilitation that he tapped into the experience of Tuilagi, who has finally been restored to full fitness following a sickening run of injuries spanning four years.

Veainu, who represented Tonga at the 2015 World Cup, was hurt while taking a high ball during his side's 33-10 loss to Irish club Munster in their European Champions Cup tie last weekend.

The incident provoked a sharp response from Leicester coach Matt O'Connor, who insinuated that Munster player Andrew Conway didn't take enough "care" of Veainu during the collision.

Despite the Irish wing being concussed during the incident, O'Conner was not prepared to let him off the hook - alleging he "smashed" his head into the face of Veainu at Thomond Park in Limerick.